Howdy! My name is Mandy Petty, I am 22 years old
and I love to scrapbook!
I have
been scrapbooking with my mom since I was 10 and have been in love with
crafting since before I can remember! My reasons for scrapbooking have evolved
over the years, but one thing remains constant…I love to craft.
In the beginning it was just something fun to
do. My mom and I would go to our local scrapbook store for the day to create,
shop and of course enjoy the company of our friends all the while doing what we
love. As I have grown older I have reached out to my peers sharing my passion
with them. It started out as friends coming over to make mini albums in our
basement workshop and has evolved into crops, craft shows, and scrapbook conventions.
I share my love for crafting with anyone and everyone who will listen.
While I was in grade
school, I would create holiday gifts by hand rather than go out
and purchase them at the store. I remember one of my favorite gifts was making
a 5-page mini album out of chipboard and Flip Flaps, super easy right?! Surprisingly
it was by far the most impactful gifts as I remember giving it to my teachers
and friends and watching their faces light up. Such a simple gesture showed me they
knew how much I appreciated and cared for them; all because I took the time to
create their gift.
A few years ago, I was delighted to learn that
my best friend Chloe saved all of the birthday invitations I’d sent her over
the years because she loved the artwork!
You never really know how your creations will affect people.
Another reason I
enjoy scrapbooking is the amazing community. Over the years I have met many
wonderful people, some who are now among my best friends and “framily”! For
example, this year for my 22nd birthday I chose to go to a
scrapbooking retreat rather than have a party. Just like anyone else, I wanted
to do what I love most for my birthday so I chose to spend it scrapbooking with
some of my closest friends.
Overall, I love being
artsy and scrapbooking provides me with a creative outlet that will last! I can
paint, color, design, and create knowing it will be preserved with my memories. My scrapbooks allow my crafting to become
part of my story and in a format that will last a lifetime.
All of our
memories are treasures; unfortunately, they don’t always last. Years ago my band director would tell us, “A
dull pencil is better than a sharp mind.”
One day you may not remember all the little moments, but you’ll have
your photos and journals to remind you of your accomplishments, challenges,
goofiness, family and friends. These
moments are precious, but fleeting and that inspires me to scrapbook and
document them so I can treasure them for years to come!
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